Manila Travel Forum

Is it possible/safe to walk from the port area to Intramuros? How far is it and how far to the mall of asia?

Thanks

Take a taxi. intramuros is near, but the site is not pleasant and not safe if you will walk. SM mall of asia is about 5 kilometers away from intramuros. so u have to take a taxi again.

The port area, particularly the South harbor, is just outside the walls of Intramuros... cross the street and roundabout (rotonda) and you'll find yourself at the main entrance of Intramuros.

At daytime, it is safe to walk from the port area to Intramuros, just be mindful of the passing vehicles and street beggars. However, I won't suggest it at night.

Mall of Asia is at the other end of Roxas Blvd. or about 5kms+ away, definitely not a good idea to walk. Take a cab and the ride will take you about 15-20mins or a fare of P60-P80.

Thanks for your quick replies. Whilst I am not easily put off......no sense in taking chances in a country you do not know.

I prefer walking as that way you get a feel for the place. I most probably will walk to Intramuros as it will be daytime but take a taxi elsewhere.

Is there anywhere in particular you would recommend for a 1 day visit to manila.

Thanks again

Jim

Really depends on your interest. If you're into historical sightseeing, walk from Intramuros to Rizal Park and National Museum, then take a cab to the CCP complex and Coconut Palace. If you're still upto another musuem visit, you can take a cab to Ayala Museum in Makati. The musuem is connected to Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, both upscale shopping, dining and entertainment centers.

If you're into shopping, there is Mall of Asia. Or you can take a cab to Makati where Glorietta and Greenbelt malls are located. With these 3 malls, your 1 day is not enough. For bargain shopping, there's Greenhills, Tiendesitas or downtown Manila (though not advisable if you're alone).

Day trips from Manila are: Taal Volcano in Tagaytay, Corregidor Island

First Class Aida

Thank you very Much

Jim

I agree with Asiabelle, great suggestions. But one thing to note, especially if you only have one day, is the traffic in Manila can be bad at times (actually…always). I once spent 2.5 hours taking a trip that would normally take 40 minutes without traffic. Just be aware. Get your tour of Intramuros in, see what time you have left, and then plan on taking the taxi to where you want with the time you have left (i.e. Mall of Asia is closer than Greenbelt). This way, you at least take in one site.

I like the Greenbelt/Glorietta area over Mall of Asia. The restaurants in that area, especially in Greenbelt 2, are good and the shopping is great. Greenbelt 3 can damage the bank account, but the wife likes it. The Ayala Museum is a nice stop too.

Btw – does anyone know what the state of Glorietta Mall is? I have not been there since the ‘accident’ last year. (I think Glorietta 2 was closed).

That's the day sorted then

Intramuros and Greenbelt, or if shorter of time - Mall of Asia

Go Raibh Mile

Jim

>> Btw – does anyone know what the state of Glorietta Mall is? I have not been there since the ‘accident’ last year. (I think Glorietta 2 was closed). <<

Glorietta 2 is still closed and undergoing rehabilitation. Even the bus/jeepney terminal at Landmark and the elevated walkway connecting Park Square 2 and Landmark are closed for reconstruction. Otherwise, it's business as usual.

i was 150 meters away from ground zero when Glorietta bombing happened (having lunch at teriyaki boy) saw victims bloodied and dead people in front of me. i was billeted at Oakwood (forgot the new name)

anyway, Glorietta operation is currently normal, except on the portion of Glorietta 2, although the last time i visited Glorietta was last January. but there arent more people as it used to be.

agree with asianbelle. if you're referring to the south harbour (manila hotel area), intramuros is just a road away (that is, roxas boulevard separates their boundaries). walking distance definitely.

thanks Asianbelle for the update.

rmcuesta - sorry for not keeping up with the news on this, but was it really determined to be a bombing? Last I heard, there was talk that it was an accidental explosion from a gas leak or gas build up of some kind. Accidents are unfortunate and you pray would never happen again. But bombings...